Spicy Bok Choy with Beet infused Quinoa and Lentils

12/9/2014

Our garden has been very kind to us! We planted it a bit late but with a little sun and water it is thriving. We harvested such a big harvest yesterday that the picture below is not the complete harvest but a portion of what was shared! Everyone loves food, especially fresh from the garden including us. We are so thankful!

I wish we could have captured the moment when we shared the fresh dill. Three woman gathered around with bright eyes smelling the fresh scent and examining how nice it was. As the farmers who grew it, Gerald and I were both proud like parents. It was a nice moment in time and we are thankful for the harvest!

We saved some for ourselves and had an incredible lunch. The inspiration came from MommyTang on Instagram who taught me how to eat Bok Choy - blanch it! This is turning into one of our favorites and it is time to share it with you all.

This meal is so flavorful you would never know you just ate an entire bundle of Bok Choy! Mix all of those greens with quinoa and lentils and it is a well balanced meal.

Servings: 2 Calories per serving: 293 Weight Watcher + Points: 7

Spicy Bok Choy with Beet infused Quinoa and Lentils

1/2 cup quinoa (*or your favorite grain)
1/4 cup lentils
1.5 cups filtered water (*or vegetable broth)
1.5 tsp beet powder (*read more here)
Opt: Top with a fresh herb (we chose dill due to our harvest today)
1 large bundle of Bok Choy
1/4 cup Tamari (or GF Soy Sauce)
1/2 cup water
3 cloves minced garlic
1 lime - juiced
Sesame seeds for oil-free or a dash of sesame oil
Red pepper flakes for spice (to taste)
Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Place the quinoa and lentils with water in a rice cooker. Add 1.5 tsp beet powder, stir and press cook.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Rinse and cut Bok Choy lengthwise and in half. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce by mixing the tamari sauce, water, garlic, lime juice, sesame seeds (or oil), red pepper flakes and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Once the water is boiling add the Bok Choy to blanch. Stir for 1 -2 minutes watching closely as not to overcook. Drain (save water for plants or other meals if you can) rinse to cool to touch and squeeze the excess water out.
Place the squeezed Bok Choy in the small bowl with the sauce, mix well to incorporate the flavor.
Take a measuring cup (I used 1 cup) and pack it with the quinoa lentil mixture. Place it in a bowl and surround it with the Spicy Bok Choy. Pour excess sauce on top of the quinoa and lentils. Top with a fresh herb and serve. Serves 2. ENJOY this nutritious meal.

Good points